Federal authorities are investigating Boeing in response to a whistleblower complaint from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour. Salehpour alleges that Boeing took shortcuts in manufacturing its 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets, raising concerns about potential catastrophic risks as the airplanes age. His formal complaint to the Federal Aviation Administration, filed in January, is not specific to the grounded 737 Max jet, but focuses on quality issues that could reduce the lifespan of the planes.
Salehpour emphasized that his motive for speaking out is to ensure Boeing’s success and prevent crashes, rather than to see the company fail. The FAA has interviewed Salehpour as part of its investigation into his claims, emphasizing the importance of whistleblower reporting without fear of reprisal in ensuring aviation safety. A Senate subcommittee will also address Salehpour’s concerns in an upcoming hearing. Boeing has refuted Salehpour’s allegations regarding the 787 Dreamliner, stating that their comprehensive work ensures the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft.
The whistleblower complaint specifically addresses concerns about Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner planes, which have 50-year lifespans according to the company. Salehpour’s allegations suggest that crews assembling the plane failed to properly fill gaps when joining parts of the fuselage, which could lead to premature wear and potential catastrophic failure. While the FAA and Boeing previously investigated these gaps, Boeing implemented changes to its manufacturing process, leading to the resumption of deliveries of the Dreamliners. Salehpour’s attorneys noted that the gaps were still an issue, despite these previous investigations.
Salehpour also claimed that Boeing retaliated against him after he raised concerns about drilling issues with the 787 and a different plane model. He was transferred out of the 787 program to the 777 program, where he discovered additional issues with alignment of body parts and pressure on engineers to approve uninspected work. Salehpour’s allegations impact over 400 777s and 1,000 787s. Boeing shares fell 2% on the day of the report, indicating potential investor concern about the allegations against the company.
Boeing has denied the accuracy of Salehpour’s claims regarding the structural integrity of the 787 Dreamliner, stating that the company has taken extensive measures to ensure the quality and safety of the aircraft. The FAA previously investigated questions about quality control during the assembly process of the Dreamliners but maintained that the planes were safe to fly. Salehpour’s attorneys highlighted ongoing issues with the gaps in the fuselage of the Dreamliners, despite previous investigations by the FAA and Boeing. The developments in this story are still unfolding, and further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.
In conclusion, the whistleblower complaint from Sam Salehpour against Boeing has raised significant concerns about the manufacturing practices and potential safety risks associated with Boeing’s 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets. The investigation by federal authorities, including the FAA and a Senate subcommittee, will shed light on the validity of Salehpour’s claims and any actions necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of these aircraft. Boeing’s response to these allegations and their commitment to addressing any issues that may compromise the quality and safety of their planes will be crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in the company’s products.
